Tag: Trust

A Matter of Trust

Can we trust someone simply because they say, “Trust me”?

Scripture is clear about the need for us to trust God and He is worthy of our trust.

Consider the opposite: Can God trust us? Do we have and demonstrate the type of character that is worthy of His trust?

Trust means we are faithful to our promise and we guard what has been entrusted to us.

God entrusted us with His word. If we are trustworthy we will be good students of His word and diligent to make application. When this happens, it makes it easier to share it with others.

Micro-Managing Leaders

We all know leaders who micro-manage every area. They want a hand in every intricate part of the project or activity.

They tend to experience fear if something happens they do not control.

We need to rethink the approach we take in leading others for the sake of our Lord and Savior.

We plant and water, remembering that He is the One who will make it grow. If we can focus on doing our part, He will do His!

The challenge enters when we think we are responsible for God’s part and micro-manage our influence in leading others. Trust God to do His part.

The Speed of Leadership

Life often goes by at “break-neck” speed and we struggle to keep up. Occasionally, a slower pace would be nice.

Life, however, is not always as easily planned as we might like.

Such is true in leadership. There will be days we accelerate the pace to accomplish certain tasks or reach specific goals. Other days move us to slow everything down.

The key is to prioritize what must be done today, be flexible – fast or slow, never hesitate to ask for help when needed, and trust in God’s providence.

It is amazing how and where God is working.

Leadership and Character

I have often discussed the necessity of character when talking about leadership. The primarily quality of a leader’s character is trust.

Leaders must certainly be worthy of the trust placed in them by those who follow.

I appreciate Rory Vaden’s thought, “In easy times, personality is revealed. In hard times, your character is revealed.”

The last year delivered some pretty hard times for leaders in the church. Now, more than ever, the church needs leaders who have the kind of character that is worthy of trust.

Can God trust us to lead in this way?

A Trustworthy Leader…

Can God trust us to love His church, be a good student of His Word, share the gospel with others, make the right choices, and lead His people?

Will others trust us to lead with consistency, competence, and connect with them?

How would we answer these questions?

Paul claimed “…it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Co. 4:2).

As stewards of all God has entrusted to us, are we trustworthy?

Let us develop a character that is worthy of trust, God’s and other’s.

Familiarity…

Developing familiarity between leaders and followers takes time and a process that involves several key factors.

A mutual respect for life experiences builds a stronger relationship of trust in the common goals and expectations of the group.

When we share life experiences with each other, familiarity grows stronger. It is the biblical teaching of “weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.”

An open door policy contributes to the approach-ability of everyone involved. Achieving this task is not easy, but the results bring lasting leadership.

The stronger our familiarity, the stronger our leadership.

Decision Makers…

Leaders must be decisive. When they are indecisive, their leadership is called into question.

What causes indecisiveness? Here are three possibilities.

Fear: fear of making the wrong decision, the unknown, and fear of failure are leading causes.

Trust: leaders who lack trust in their own abilities and the abilities of others are often indecisive.

Procrastination:
this mindset leads to indecision because there is a lack of urgency.

What can be done to help leaders overcome this indecisive tendency?

Gather ALL the facts.
List out the pros and cons.
Pray about it.
Trust your instincts.
Establish a precautionary backup plan.
Then, make the decision.

Dealing Out Hope…

After spending several hours contacting numerous shelters to find housing for someone in need, an overwhelming realization of the hopeless condition among our population was apparent.

A compassionate heart quickly recognizes how people can feel so hopeless. A number of explanations may be given as to the cause, but the need for leaders is to provide hope. Napoleon is credited with saying, “leaders are dealers in hope.”

Leaders extend hope by learning to listen and express concern.

Leaders need to offer hope that someone is trustworthy.

Leaders possess a responsibility to demonstrate care by action.

People follow leaders who provide hope.

A Godly Leader…

The Bible often speaks of being set apart, or holy. David emphatically claimed we should “…know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.”

This is such a powerful thought. God has taken action toward the godly for Himself, which highlights a special relationship between God and the godly. The result is followed by activity.

Tremble…and do not sin.
Meditate…and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.
Trust in the Lord.

The combination of these four areas provides a powerful foundation for the success of a godly leader.

Fearless Trust…

Throughout many of the Psalms, David writes about his fearless trust in God.

Leaders need a relationship with God that exudes trust in Him to provide everything needed to fulfill His will. How does this develop?

In a word “seeking” Him.

Seek a dwelling in the house of the Lord every day.
Seek to behold the beauty of the Lord.
Seek to meditate in His temple.

If leaders seek these three areas, they develop a greater relationship with God and others.